Sharon Horgan and Michelle Gallen have been making waves in the world of comedy writing, clinching top awards for their latest works. Horgan, known for her hit shows Catastrophe and Motherland, has been awarded the 2021 Screenwriting Fellowship by the Writers Guild of America West, while Gallen’s debut novel, Big Girl, Small Town, has won the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize. Both women have been recognized for their ability to capture the complexities of modern life with wit and humor, making them two of the most exciting voices in comedy today. In this article, we take a closer look at their achievements and explore what makes their writing so exceptional.
Irish writers Sharon Horgan and Michelle Gallen were celebrated for their remarkable achievements at the Comedy Women in Print (CWIP) awards held on Monday, September 13. The event took place at the Groucho Club in London where Horgan received the Honorary Witty Impact Award, and Gallen won the Published Novel Prize for her book, Factory Girls.
The CWIP awards were introduced in 2019 by Welsh comedian, actress and author Helen Lederer. The awards scheme is the only one of its kind in the UK and Ireland that focuses on highlighting witty novels by women authors. Organisers aim to shed light on female talent within the literary scene, allowing for underrepresented voices to be heard.
Horgan received the honorary award for her remarkable contribution to wit on the page and screen. She has managed to change the literary canvas with her female-led comedy. The prize was presented to her by Meera Syal, who won the same award in the previous year. Horgan is an award-winning actress, writer and producer, having won the BAFTA for best TV actress for her role in Pulling. Her work on Catastrophe earned her another BAFTA in 2016 for Best Comedy Writer. Additionally, Horgan has won five Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) for Catastrophe and won another in 2021 for her performance in Dating Amber.
Michelle Gallen, born in Co Tyrone during the seventies, won the CWIP’s top prize for her second career book, Factory Girls. The novel is set during the Troubles in 1994 and tells the story of a Northern Irish schoolgirl who takes a holiday job in a shirt factory. The judges described it as a “fearless, raunchy and real novel.” Gallen is a Trinity College English Literature graduate who previously had her first novel, Big Girl, Small Town, nominated for the CWIP Print Prize in 2020. Big Girl, Small Town was also shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, the Newcomer of the Year at the Irish Book Awards and the Kate O’Brien Award. The book was longlisted for the RSL Ondaatje Prize as well.
Gallen received £3,000 as a prize for Factory Girls, thanks to the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society, a private donor, and the publisher, Penguin. Big Girl, Small Town, is being adapted for television by the team behind BBC drama Gentleman Jack, and director and actor Kathy Burke bought the rights to the book.
The CWIP awards are an inspiring initiative that highlights the work of women authors, celebrates their skills and talents and acknowledges them for their contributions to the literary world. It is encouraging to witness such events that aim to promote diversity, equality and inclusivity within the publishing industry, considering that women authors have long been underrepresented in literature.
In conclusion, the CWIP awards are a significant step towards acknowledging women authors and their contribution to literature. It is essential to highlight diverse voices and celebrate women’s work within the literary world. The awards serve as a reminder that the future of literature is diverse, inclusive and equitable.
In a world where laughter is often seen as a luxury, Sharon Horgan and Michelle Gallen have reminded us of the power of comedy. Their comedic genius, as recognized by the BAFTA and Sky, has not only entertained us, but has also shed light on important issues that need our attention. Through their wit and creativity, they have given us a much-needed respite from the challenges of a pandemic world. As we look forward to more from these brilliant writers, let us embrace the power of comedy to heal, uplift, and inspire. Congratulations to Sharon Horgan and Michelle Gallen for their well-deserved wins!
